Most helpful positive review

This watch caught my eye as I walked by a counter in a department store. I needed something rugged that could take a serious beating often and never look any worse. In addition, I needed something stylish that would go with anything, that had a stopwatch AND had a countdown timer. This watch had all those things and had them at the right price. I've been REALLY excited to have it and haven't taken it off since I bought it.

Some folks talked about the lighting issue. I admit I too was a little worried about that at first. I wear this watch on stage with a band and there is VERY little consistent light on stage, so something that lights itself and is readable is a must (I handle our timing). The first time I had the illumination issue I got lucky and figured out an easy fix.

----- ILLUMINATION FIX -----All you have to do is either set the illumination to automatic, or hit it manually (it's easier to do this with automatic). When the light is on, hold a single finger (or the side of your hand, as if you were shading the watch in direct sunlight) across the face of the watch. The reflection of the light off of your hand will make the digital readouts clearly visible.

Since that was the only issue I've seen anyone post on this watch, consider it 5 stars! :)

Most helpful critical review

I went crazy when I saw this watch online, I'm active duty and any thing black smacks me in the face and makes me want to buy it, so I just had to have this watch. I loved it at first its all matt black pretty big face nice strap pretty spec ops looking. After a few weeks when I really started to get down to using it, I realized it was not as good. The dial light is orange and it does not really light up the entire face as well in the dark it kind of casts a shadown over the dial which sucks when you're training at 0230 in the woods with nothing around.

The digital layout is the worst its in the negative format which is black all around and the numbers are light grey. Its not flushed with the watch dial so whe to illuminate the dial light you just cannot read the digital time it's always black. When doing PT in the mornings in the dark you need to see the seconds display and its too black to see any thing, if the hands happen to be over the digital display it makes it ever worse. Now being military I have some unusual circumstances so it does not really work out for me, BUT I adapt and over come! Over all it still looks good its pretty light and is a nice big watch which I like, time format can be set to 24hr too, it's just the stop watch function and the light on this watch sucks, I'm going to get the one in red and black it does not have the black digital display and is easier to read in the dark. I hope this helps my peps!!!

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

I went crazy when I saw this watch online, I'm active duty and any thing black smacks me in the face and makes me want to buy it, so I just had to have this watch. I loved it at first its all matt black pretty big face nice strap pretty spec ops looking. After a few weeks when I really started to get down to using it, I realized it was not as good. The dial light is orange and it does not really light up the entire face as well in the dark it kind of casts a shadown over the dial which sucks when you're training at 0230 in the woods with nothing around.

The digital layout is the worst its in the negative format which is black all around and the numbers are light grey. Its not flushed with the watch dial so whe to illuminate the dial light you just cannot read the digital time it's always black. When doing PT in the mornings in the dark you need to see the seconds display and its too black to see any thing, if the hands happen to be over the digital display it makes it ever worse. Now being military I have some unusual circumstances so it does not really work out for me, BUT I adapt and over come! Over all it still looks good its pretty light and is a nice big watch which I like, time format can be set to 24hr too, it's just the stop watch function and the light on this watch sucks, I'm going to get the one in red and black it does not have the black digital display and is easier to read in the dark. I hope this helps my peps!!!

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

This watch caught my eye as I walked by a counter in a department store. I needed something rugged that could take a serious beating often and never look any worse. In addition, I needed something stylish that would go with anything, that had a stopwatch AND had a countdown timer. This watch had all those things and had them at the right price. I've been REALLY excited to have it and haven't taken it off since I bought it.

Some folks talked about the lighting issue. I admit I too was a little worried about that at first. I wear this watch on stage with a band and there is VERY little consistent light on stage, so something that lights itself and is readable is a must (I handle our timing). The first time I had the illumination issue I got lucky and figured out an easy fix.

----- ILLUMINATION FIX -----All you have to do is either set the illumination to automatic, or hit it manually (it's easier to do this with automatic). When the light is on, hold a single finger (or the side of your hand, as if you were shading the watch in direct sunlight) across the face of the watch. The reflection of the light off of your hand will make the digital readouts clearly visible.

Since that was the only issue I've seen anyone post on this watch, consider it 5 stars! :)

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

hold adjust for 3 seconds press mode until you get to LT1 then use forward button to change to LT3... Bang lites up whole screen. Don't you realize this is a military watch and having a bright light may get you shot??? LMAO

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

I bought this watch when it was on sale for around a $100, but after having it for a while, would still pay the $70 more for it's current price point. That said, look around, you might be able to find it cheaper elsewhere.

I'm not in the military, though I do actively participate in outdoor activities, so I was looking for a watch that could take the elements as well as look good.

In regards to fashion:- This watch is a looker. The matte black finish with the white dials are perfect for casual or semi-formal attire.- It's a big watch, so if you have a small wrist or like watches that aren't heavy, this watch might not be for you.- I can't emphasize enough how nice this watch looks if paired with properly (black belt, black shoes, etc)

In regards to functionality:- G-Shocks are known for being able to take a beating and I've put mine through a lot. At first, I treated this watch like a baby because at the time, it was the most I ever spent on a watch after rarely spending more than $20. After a while I realized that I could wear it to work (I worked in lumber at a home improvement store) and not worry about beating it up. I've banged it pretty hard a few times and only have a small gouge that is very hard to see.- The white dial hands help make spotting the time very easy.- The biggest problem I have is the light up feature. When really dark out, it doesn't fully light up the face of the watch. It gives enough to give an idea of where the hands are at, but you sort of have to look hard.

Miscellaneous things:- I love the automatic analog hands that move when you set the time or switch time zones.- The feature of being able to have a second time in a timezone of your choice is fantastic. As someone who frequently shifts between time zones, having this function is really nice.- Did I mention this watch can be put through the ringer and still come out unscatched? Shock resistant, Waterproof to 200M (655 ft, a little more than 2 football fields), magnetic resistant, AND it has a battery life of about 2 years? Yea, I love it.

Final analysis:I love this watch. It looks great and is as durable as the people it's pitched at. A friend of mine, whom actually is in the Army, got one like this on my recommendation and loves it. If you're on the fence about this, I'd say hop off and go for it.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Law enforcement - I use this as an every day-er. Good watch. Not too bright to light up (good thing) and its light-weight. I like G Shock products for work and this one holds the reputation well. People who complain about the not being able to see the date with the light at night...really? First off, by night time you should know the date...second, if you cup your hand around the top half of the watch, should see it fine. I agree its not for nigh time stopwatch use. Simply cant see it well enough...but you could try the alternative: "One- one thousand..Two -one thousand.. Three- one thousand" method.. It should get you close enough. :)

UPDATE -Had the watch for several months now...flawless and durable. Time has been accurate. No complaints. Good watch.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

This is my 3rd G-Shock in 20 years. My first lasted 5 years then was destroyed when I had the battery replaced & it did not stay waterproof, my bad for not verifying before I took it in salt water. The second one was ripped off my arm after I had it for 10 years when the water ski rope grabbed it when I wiped out, probably still going at the bottom of the lake, that was about 5 years ago. This one looks great & has excellent functions. I really like the complements I get when wearing it. It fits great, is comfortable to wear & is very light. Since the band seems to always be the weak link on G-Shocks, I ordered 2 replacement bands from Casio so I am ready for this watch to last for many, many years. As others have stated, it is a bit hard to read the digital part in lower light, but I don't find that a problem as the time is displayed on the hands & that is the primary reason you wear a watch! I have had it for 3 months now & it has stayed accurate to 10 seconds so far, I am a pleased owner of this watch.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

.. And not only does it blend perfectly with my ACU's(Uniform) , but off duty in civilian clothing i can wear it where ever. Stylish yet simple. Hi-Tech with a futuristic, hard ass.. bad boy look and feel to it depending on your point of view. Love it. A MUST BUY! Yeah the LED doesn't illuminate the digital time, but what other watch illuminates when its pointed at your face at night? What other watch this reliable, shockproof, magneticproof, shockwave proof, water proof, has a speedometer! plus the analog hands move automatically(thought that was cool). But the manual takes some time to figure out. a small price to pay for this Hi-Tech watch. A must if you are in the Military.

-got it as a early xmas gift from a friend back in the states. love it.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

I bought this watch when it was first released for a deployment to Iraq. Since then it has taken every mission and training exercise that I have tossed at it and still looks great AND functions perfectly. It's looks are perfect for Army ACUs, Multi-Cam, PT Uniforms, or civilian casual. The hardest its been hit was during combatives training when I was thrown into a wall and my arm bounced off the bricks. NOT A SCRATCH!!

Some complain about the illuminator light, but for army work that's good. Won't be spotted far out. If you have trouble reading the displays hold your hand above it an inch or so and you will reflect enough light to read the digital displays.

Setting this watch was easy as well. Just set the digital time as with any other digital Casio, and you'll get the bonus of the Analog hands setting themselves. Keeps its time quite steadily. I've only had to adjust it once in the last year.

When I was looking for a new watch, I looked at most of the big military watch companies and was astounded by the prices. $500 to $1500 for a single watch? Then I found this watch which had many of the same features and a few unique at the time to itself and a price that was only a fraction (still the same $130).

Military, Law Enforcement or just a sport or outdoors type, this watch is a good purchase.

Only downside, as one can it expect it doesn't go well with higher class events that require a more black tie attire, but then that not what it was made for.

If I ever have to replace it, I'm getting another one or any Casio upgrades if they are out by then.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

If you are looking for an everyday watch, or are in need of a more rugged watch to match your lifestyle, than this watch is perfect !

The Pros:20BAR water resistance (200 meters. around 700 feet)The whole thing seems to be coated in a semi gloss black rubber, which looks and feels ruggedThe actual face plate itself is set back into the watch, making it hard to scratchThere are many functions like chronometer (with lap splitting), countdown timer, 4 alarms with snooze, a mini led light that you can set to auto on (when you tilt the watch from parallel to ground past 40 degrees) or button pressed, and world clockVery rugged double clasp wrist band that is securely attached to the timepiece with some of the thickest bars i've seen on a watchDate display on the face of the watch, month day and weekday nameIt is very easy to set up and also very accurate24 hour and 12 hour timeRugged enough for everyday use, but impressive enough for formal wear too

The Cons:The mini led is actually in the bottom of the watch base, and does not light up the date screens, but this is only a minor problemThere are alot of designs on this watch that if you want to keep it clean, you need to get a q-tip to reach all of the little holes, and designsThe users guide is a small novel, and has alot of small text, and trying to figure out everything is a little tricky

Overall:Highly recommended for people who have a demanding lifestyle and want something that wont break in two daysVery rugged, stays firmly set to the wrist, and is not too heavyStyle that is affordableWould fit perfectly with a batman costume

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

I love the CASIO brand watches. And while I admit this is the coolest looking watch I have ever seen, it is not worth the price tag. I'm prior military and current Deputy Sheriff. In 2005, I purchased a Casio illuminator W87H (which can be found on Amazon for under $20 right now). Working in a jail environment, this watch has taken a beating. I HAVE NOT replaced the battery in it yet, so 7 years and counting on the battery life. The watch is simple to use and very easy to read in any light conditions. Needless to say, it is a great watch.

Now, I got moved to courts about a year ago. I decided to upgrade my old Casio. I had a few reasons to want to do this. 1. The court environment is much "nicer" than the jail. 2. Being in the public eye I wanted to look better in uniform (vain, I know). 3. I just wanted a cool, new watch. I knew it was going to be a Casio, but which one?

I looked for a couple of weeks and decided on this watch. I was excited to make this purchase.

Shipping was fast, as always with Amazon. When I pulled the watch out of the box, I was very pleased. Man, that watch looked sharp! I'm 6'6", so it did not look bulky on my arm and was very light.

Now with the problems. 1. Can not see it in the dark. With my old Casio, the bright blue illumination is very easy to read in the dark, even with my glasses off. The first night I played with this watch in the dark. The dim bulb they put in this watch is worthless. You'd have to strike a match to see if it was illuminated or not. You can't see the digital or analog in the dark. Pretty pointless to me.

2. At the time I used my watch as an alarm to get me up for work. With the old Casio, never an issue. It was loud and long enough to bring me out of my slumber. The new G Shock let me over sleep the first morning. On the way in to work I set it to go off and could barely hear it. Was not impressed with that.

3. Confusing. Given more time with the watch I'm sure I could have figured it out, but why not just keep it simple OR make a model of the same watch that had less options. I mean, do you really need a DST when all you have to do is set the time?

That was enough for me to send it back. Do not get me wrong, the watch is sharp. Looks real good. But I refuse to pay around $70 extra for the cool factor.

Casio, please make this watch with the same lighting as my $20 one, make the hour and minute hand glow in the dark, louder alarm and keep it simple. I would be more than happy to pay $100 for that!